Chemistry MRes

Core modules

Research Methods and Independent Study (20 cp)

This module provides an underpinning in research skills relevant to independent study. You will be introduced to the techniques required to formulate a research project and carry out a literature review. You will be given practice in the use of the library and learning resources including relevant IT packages.

Research Project (120 cp)

You will work on laboratory-based research and will evaluate and review the scientific literature relevant to the topic. Design and conduct experimental work, and present the findings in the form of a presentation, poster and written thesis. Example titles can be found below.

Optional modules

Choose two modules from the following:

Drug Detection, Analysis and Screening (20 cp)

Study analysis methods include IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques, GC / HPLC, related hyphenated techniques, and immunoassays. Other areas include spectroscopy, chromatography, multivariate data processing, biophysics and related disciplines to the analytical chemistry of drugs and drug-containing materials.

Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds (20 cp)

Develop knowledge in the synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules. Topics include retrosynthetic analysis and total synthesis of biologically important molecules; the controlled formation of C-C bonds and functional group transformations; and structure elucidation of complex molecules.

Inorganic Chemistry Beyond the Molecule (20 cp)

Understand the use of the biomimetic and supramolecular approaches in materials chemistry. You’ll learn the importance of interfaces in structure regulation and recognition in the generation of new materials including the recognition and incorporation of materials into the human body.

Physical Properties of Solid-state and Nano-composite Materials (20 cp)

Study the theoretical background, synthesis and characterization of inorganic and nanocomposite materials, and characterization using solid-state methods. You will be given direct practical experience with synthetic and characterization methods in the form of practical laboratory sessions in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

Computational Chemistry and Drug Design (20 cp)

This module explores contemporary approaches to computational chemistry, including molecular dynamics and docking, and their application to the first principles design of novel drugs.

Analytical Toxicology (20 cp)

Develop a working knowledge of various drug separation and detection techniques and the application of analytical approaches to detect and quantify drugs and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues. You'll review the use of abuse of substances used as both medicines and poisons.

Research project title examples

• MRI contrast agents
• Peptide-mineral interactions
• Small Molecule Approaches to the Elucidation of Protein Function
• Multiplexing
• Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• X-ray diffraction
• Development of screenable essays